Close Up and Far Out: Seeing the World Differently

Ages 9 to 12, Grades 4 to 7

An illustrated picture book of early scientists Antoine van Leeuwenhoek and Galileo Galilei, who used similar observation tools but saw the world very differently, their discoveries leading to innovations in both microscopes and telescopes.

Two natural philosophers—now known as scientists—used similar tools but saw the world very differently. Antoine van Leeuwenhoek looked close-up at drops of water, while Galileo Galilei looked far out into the universe. What they discovered shook the foundations of human understanding and led to innovations in both microscopes and telescopes. This engagingly graphic treatment of their story will captivate curious minds and inspire future scientists to keep asking questions. After all, we never know what we may find!

About the Author

Mary Auld is an award-winning children's author, with interests ranging from music and art to history and science. Her books include How to Build an Orchestra, written in association with the London Symphony Orchestra, which won a Presto Music Award. She divides her time between Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, UK and Perpignan, France.